The inspirational imperative

“Inspirational” and its derivatives has replaced “passionate” as a CV-staple. “Inspirational” has also become a clickbait-staple. My Twitter feed seems to sag under the burden of just so many “inspirational” and “inspiring” links. “Inspiration”, “inspiring”, “inspirational” – all join “disruptive”, “revolutionary”, “transformational” in the Overused Lexicon.

Recently a video circulated online (OK, “went viral”) of a woman with terminal illness’ interview with Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show. While her own determination to live every moment is entirely admirable, I do wonder if the cult of Inspiration can put pressure on people in this situation (and many others) to Be An Inspiration. Winston Churchill’s battles with the “black dog” of depression are often held up as inspiring – look what he achieved despite his depression! – but this can be demoralising – look what he achieved despite his depression, so why can’t I? Cue guilty spiral…